What a DVLA printout is and when you need one
A DVLA printout is an official document from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency that shows your driving record — your license status, any points on your license, disqualifications, and endorsements. It is not the same as your physical photocard license. You request it directly from the DVLA, and they send it to you by post.
You might need a printout if you are explore for a job that requires a clean driving record, if you want to check what the DVLA has recorded about you, or if you need proof of your license status for insurance or legal reasons. Some employers and insurance companies ask to see it before they hire you or quote you a premium.
The printout is sometimes called a driving record check, DVLA record, or license check. It is different from a standard subject access request — a printout is faster and cheaper, and it is designed specifically for driving history.
Key Takeaways
- You request a DVLA printout by post or online through the official DVLA website, and it arrives within 5 to 10 working days.
- The printout shows your license status, penalty points, disqualifications, and any endorsements recorded against your name.
- You will need your driving license number, National Insurance number, and date of birth to request one.
- The cost varies depending on whether you request it online or by post, and whether you want a standard or urgent version.
- You can also check some information about your license online through the DVLA's view driving record service if you have a valid photocard license.
How to request a printout online
The fastest way to get a DVLA printout is through the official DVLA website. Go to the "View your driving record" page and enter your driving license number, National Insurance number, and date of birth. The system will show you a summary of your record on screen, and you can then request a printed copy to be sent to your address.
When you request it online, the DVLA will post it to the address they have on file for you. This usually takes 5 to 10 working days. You do not need to print anything or fill in forms — the whole process happens on the website.
If you do not have access to the online service or prefer to explore by post, you can read form D1 from the DVLA website, fill it in by hand, and send it with a cheque or postal order to the DVLA address in Swansea. This method takes longer — usually 10 to 15 working days — because the DVLA has to process the form manually.
What information appears on your printout
Your DVLA printout will show your full name, date of birth, address, and driving license number. It will also list your license category (for example, category B for cars), the date you passed your test, and the expiry date of your license.
If you have any penalty points, the printout will show how many you have, what they were for, and when they will drop off your record (usually after three years from the date of the offence). If you have been disqualified from driving, that will appear on the printout along with the dates of the disqualification. Any endorsements — such as speeding, drink-driving, or careless driving — will also be listed.
The printout does not show your medical history, your insurance claims, or whether you have been in accidents. It only shows what the DVLA has recorded about your license itself.
Cost and timing for different request methods
| Method | Cost | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| Online request (standard) | £4.00 | 5 to 10 working days |
| Online request (urgent) | £10.00 | 1 to 2 working days |
| By post (form D1) | £4.00 | 10 to 15 working days |
The urgent online option is useful if you need the printout quickly — for example, if you have a job interview coming up and the employer has asked to see your driving record. The standard online option is cheaper and still arrives within a week or so.
If you are requesting by post, remember that you also need to pay for postage to send the form to Swansea, and you will need to include a cheque or postal order. This method is slower and more expensive overall when you factor in postage costs.
What you need before you request a printout
To request a DVLA printout, you will need three pieces of information: your driving license number (the 16-character code on your photocard), your National Insurance number, and your date of birth. Your driving license number is printed on the front of your photocard license, and your National Insurance number is on your payslip, tax documents, or a letter from HMRC.
If you are requesting by post using form D1, you will also need to include a cheque or postal order made payable to the DVLA. Do not send cash through the post.
Make sure the address on file with the DVLA is correct before you request the printout, because that is where they will send it. If you have moved house recently and have not updated your address with the DVLA, your printout may go to your old address. You can update your address online through the DVLA website or by post.
Checking your record online without a printout
If you have a valid photocard driving license and you just want to check what the DVLA has recorded about you without ordering a printed copy, you can use the DVLA's "View your driving record" service on their website. This is free and when ready — you enter your license number, National Insurance number, and date of birth, and the information appears on screen straight away.
This online check shows the same information that would appear on a printout: your license status, penalty points, disqualifications, and endorsements. However, some employers and organisations will not accept an online check — they specifically ask to see the printed document. In that case, you will need to order the printout and have it posted to you.
The online check is useful for your own peace of mind or if you want to verify your record before you share it with someone else. It is also a good way to check whether the DVLA has recorded something incorrectly, so you can contact them to put it right before you need the printout for a job or insurance.
What to do if your printout shows incorrect information
If your DVLA printout arrives and you notice something that is wrong — for example, penalty points you do not think you should have, or a disqualification that has not been removed — you can contact the DVLA to dispute it. Write to them with details of what is incorrect and any evidence you have (such as court documents or letters from the police).
The DVLA takes several weeks to investigate a dispute, so do not expect an when ready response. If you need the printout urgently and you believe there is an error, tell the person who asked to see it (your employer, insurance company, or whoever) that you have disputed the information with the DVLA and provide them with a copy of your letter or email to the DVLA as proof.
Some errors take longer to correct than others. For example, if a disqualification should have ended but the DVLA's system has not updated, it can take a few weeks for the record to be cleared. In the meantime, you can ask the DVLA for a letter explaining the situation, which you can show to employers or insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a DVLA printout stay valid?
There is no official expiry date on a DVLA printout, but most employers and insurance companies will only accept one that is less than 30 days old. If you ordered a printout more than a month ago and you need to show it to someone, it is safer to order a new one. The cost is low, and a fresh printout removes any doubt.
Can I get a printout if my license has been revoked or suspended?
Yes. The printout will show that your license is revoked or suspended and explain why. This is useful if you need to prove to a court, employer, or other organisation what your current license status is. You can still order a printout through the normal channels.
What if I do not have a driving license number?
You need your driving license number to request a printout through the online service. If you have lost your license or do not have it to hand, you can request a replacement photocard from the DVLA first, or you can explore by post using form D1 and providing your National Insurance number and date of birth instead. Contact the DVLA to find out which option suits your situation.
Can someone else request a printout on my behalf?
No. The DVLA will only send a printout to the person whose license it is, at the address they have on file. If you want someone else to see your driving record, you will need to receive the printout yourself and then share it with them. You cannot authorise the DVLA to send it directly to a third party.
Will a DVLA printout show my insurance history or claims?
No. The DVLA printout only shows information about your driving license — your status, penalty points, disqualifications, and endorsements. It does not include insurance claims, accidents, or your insurance premium history. If an insurer asks to see your driving record, they are asking for the DVLA printout, but they will also run their own check on your insurance history separately.